CITEL Testing Laboratories: Global Testing Centers for Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

CITEL’s technological expertise in the field of surge protection is based on continuous innovation, world-class research and development (R&D), and a global network of its own regional testing laboratories. As a global industry leader, CITEL manufactures exclusively surge protection devices (SPDs) and SPD components, and actively contributes to the development of international norms and standards.

 

Accredited testing laboratories for compliance with standards and reliability

Group-wide testing laboratories_2025

To test all components in-house for strict compliance with standards, CITEL operates state-of-the-art centers of expertise and research in France, the United States, and China. The laboratories are equipped with the following specialized equipment for comprehensive electrical testing in the field of surge protection:

  • Simulators for transient inrush currents and surges: Generators for the 8/20 µs, 10/350 µs, 10/1000 µs, and 1.2/50 µs pulse shapes.

  • Power sources (AC/DC): High-power sources for short-circuit current and load current tests (including superimposed and synchronized pulses for alternating current).

  • Environmental simulation systems: Test benches for mechanical shock, vibration, climate control, humidity, and fire behavior.

 

Applicable Standards and Test Standards

CITEL’s teams of experts conduct standard tests as well as customized, client-specific tests that go beyond standard specifications. We test in accordance with the following international guidelines:

  • IEC/EN Standards: IEC/EN 61643-11, -21, -31, -41, -311, -331 | IEC/EN 61000-4-5

  • National Standards (Europe): NFC 17-100, NFC 17-102 | NF EN 50164-6 & IEC 62561-6 (surge current tests)

  • U.S. Standards: UL 1449, UL 497B, UL 497E | IEEE C62.31, C62.33, C62.35, C62.45 | ANSI C136.2

  • Telecommunications: ITU K12

Quality Features of CITEL Laboratories:

  • Qualified engineering teams with deep industry expertise

  • High-voltage and high-current test facilities for maximum test coverage

  • Rigorous testing procedures ensuring independence, objectivity, and complete traceability

Shanghai Location: Accredited IEC Testing Laboratory (DEKRA & TÜV Rheinland)

Testing laboratory Shanghai_2025

Our testing laboratory in Shanghai holds the official accreditation certificate for client testing laboratories within the global IECEE system. This authorizes the facility to independently test electrical equipment and components.

  • DEKRA Accreditation: Certified to Level 2.

  • TÜV Rheinland: Official authorization to conduct tests under the direct supervision of TÜV Rheinland.

 

Reims Location: Official “UL Client Test Data Program”

Testing laboratory Reim_2025

The CITEL laboratory in Reims (France) is an accredited participant in the UL Client Test Data Program (registered since July 2025). This accreditation certifies the laboratory’s competence to generate high-precision test data in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 (General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories).

The validation covers conformity assessment procedures in accordance with:

  • UL 1449 (5th edition)

  • CSA-C22.2 No. 269

Your market advantage through CITEL certification:
This UL recognition solidifies CITEL’s position as a key industry player. We are able to develop, validate, manufacture, and certify protection solutions in-house directly on behalf of UL. For our customers, this means maximum responsiveness and a significantly shorter time-to-market for new product launches.